How To Save Money on Kids Clothing -

It's on the mind of almost every mama, “How can I save money on kid's clothing?“.

Whether it's back to school shopping, a holiday, a growing child, or filling in gaps in a wardrobe throughout the year, clothing your children can get very expensive. In the current economy, many families are finding this to be a more financially straining expenditure than ever before and are looking for ways to save some of their hard-earned money while still providing for their kids' needs. The following are some great money-saving tips that you can use when you are next shopping for your kids' clothes.

Tip #1 – Let go of (some) of your ideals

Don't put your kids in stuff that doesn't fit, isn't appropriate, or looks super out of style but do let of any desire to only wear brand named gear and the fight the lie that you must have the newest releases.

It's a little known fact that the fashion industry works on a 52-micro-season cycle, not 4 seasons like we think of. That means every one to two weeks there are new styles coming out. If you really tried to keep up with the industry, you'd be shopping every week for new clothes. They want you to feel like you're out of style os you buy new clothes. Don't fall for it.

Your kids can still look modest and stylish without breaking the bank.

Pro tip: Model good frugal fashion for your children and discuss with them the pressure from peers to be in the very lastest and greatest styles.

Tip #2 – Become a thrift store shopper.

Secondhand stores are the way to start your shopping. Often, these stores carry items that are still in excellent condition and in style, but for a fraction of the price that the standard retailers are selling the same things for. They are especially good for younger children's clothing since these kids grow so fast that they seem to only wear things a few times before they outgrow them and need new sizes. Thrift stores are also great for higher dollar items, such as winter coats. You can save a bundle by starting at the thrift stores and then just filling in what you can't find there at the other retailers.

Tip #3 – Assess the kids' closets and dressers prior to shopping.

When you know that you need to do a clothes shopping trip, it is a great time to go through the closets and dressers, cleaning them out and seeing what you really have and what you really need. There might be some things that can still be used, but need something to go with them. Write down the items that you need to add to in order for it to be used more. Write a list of things that you are going to be shopping for before heading out and you will avoid the mistake of ending up back home with bags of items that don't really go together and therefore, won't really be worn.

Pro Tip: Check out List Planit for great lists including one for clothing inventory.

Tip #4 – Learn to accessorize for current styling.

Many things can be re-used and still look stylish if you just learn to accessorize the outfits. A new belt, some jewelry, or a scarf can transform a now boring outfit into something that the kids will be happy to wear a bit longer. If there is a Claire's store in your area, this is a wonderful place to go for accessories of all sorts.

Tip #5 – Do some shopping online.

While there are some items, such as pants, that really should be tried on before purchasing, there are also many other things that can be bought with relatively good accuracy just by knowing your child's basic sizes, such as underwear, t-shirts, and socks. Shopping online at sites such as Ebay or Amazon for these things can save you a lot of money even after the cost of shipping is included. Facebook yard sale groups are also a great way to snag bargains. Be sure to use safe pick-up practices.

Tip #6 – Discover the savings of summer yard sales.

Yard sales are generally one of the cheapest ways to go when looking for clothing. Many times you'll find things for 50-cents or a dollar, sometimes less.

Tip #7 – Shop the holiday and other special event sales.

Throughout the year, there will be excellent sales at various retailers, where you will find prices on children's clothing slashed. This is a great way to go if you are shopping for more than one child since you can get different sizes of the item, or if it is something that is available in various colors or prints. There are also sales on President's Day and Black Friday, to name just a couple, that will have amazing prices. Watch the advertising and plan your clothes shopping around these sales.

Pro tip: check prices before you buy. Sometimes “sales” aren't as good as they seem. And, check for online-only sales too!

Tip #8 – Shop consignment events and stores

Pop up consignment events are a growing trend for children's clothing, accessories, and other items. Many are 3-day sales the offer fill-a-bag or half-price sales the last day.

Consignment stores are around long-term but still offer great value for you.

Pro tip: Consign your children's gently used clothing and use the money you make to fund the next season's clothing needs.

Tip #9 – Buy mix and match pieces

Buy items that you can dress up or down. This way you can be casual for dinner but dressy for church in the same skirt, sweater, or pair of pants. Solid color tops can be worn under sweaters, and vests to create a dressy look or worn alone for a trip to the store.

Shopping for kids' clothes can get expensive at times. However, if you follow some of the above suggestions, you can save money on kids clothing and still keep them looking their best.